Beating Capetown City in 90 minutes would have been massive for Kaizer Chiefs but it still felt as if Ernst Middendorp’s side produced a performance that can kick-start their hopes on lifting a trophy.
Of course City will be disappointed to concede an equaliser so late on having led for so long, but they should be pleased with the way they played in their 1-1 draw in 90 .
Tactically, Ernst got it absolutely spot on and to come out and play like that against a top-class team such as Capetown City should give his side lots of confidence.
It was Amakho’s energy and intent up front that I really liked, and that is what I want to see more of. They played on the front foot, worked hard and had a clear plan.
Ernst Middendorp found a plan that worked
I was not surprised with how well Amakhosi played, because they had a point to prove.
Their recent results had been disappointing with allegation of being helped by referees , and they were playing Capetown city at home, after an international break. The players and fans were always going to be up for it.
The minimum expected by supporters of any Amakhosi player in a game like this is a high level of aggression and tenacity – getting up to the ball, and being hard to beat.
Sometimes, it is just about running around. That might sound like a throwaway comment but if you can do that early on to get the fans behind you and combine that with a good tactical plan, it carries you a long way.On Saturday , Amakhosi did all of that.
They had the required level of effort and performance, and Ernest came up with a game plan not just to stop City , but to capitalise on where he felt they had a weakness.
Do you think Ernst is a great coach?
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